Darian DeVries' tenure as the head coach of Indiana Hoosiers basketball has begun with high expectations and a proactive approach to recruiting. However, the path to rebuilding the program isn't without its challenges, as demonstrated by a recent setback in the pursuit of a top recruit from Philadelphia.
After a promising offseason on the recruiting trail, Indiana faced its first significant high school recruiting loss on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Sammy Jackson, a highly regarded four-star forward, announced his commitment to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), choosing the Rams over Indiana, Texas, Auburn, and Arizona State. Jackson is ranked No. 67 nationally by 247Sports and is considered the top recruit in Pennsylvania for the 2026 class.
The 6-foot-7 Philadelphia native had been a priority for DeVries and his staff as they worked to reshape Indiana's roster following a disappointing 2024-25 season. Despite Indiana's efforts, VCU's established connections and proximity to home ultimately proved decisive. Jackson told 247Sports that his relationship with the coaches, particularly the Martelli family, and the opportunity to play for hometown figures significantly influenced his decision. Richmond, where VCU is located, is just a short drive from Philadelphia.
VCU's successful recruitment of Jackson is a significant win for the program, as they secured his commitment over several high-major programs. For Indiana, this loss is a reminder that the rebuilding process under DeVries will require patience and persistence.
Indiana is still seeking its first commitment in the 2026 class. The Hoosiers have been actively utilizing the transfer portal to quickly revamp the roster. Their 2025 transfer class is currently ranked No. 34 nationally by 247Sports, which includes ten transfers, eight of whom are rated as four-star players.
DeVries was hired to modernize Indiana's approach to roster construction, combining the experience of transfer portal acquisitions with the potential of high school recruits to restore the program to national prominence. While missing out on Jackson is a setback, the Hoosiers remain in contention for other top targets in the 2026 class. Among the players Indiana has offered are Prince-Alexander Moody, who recently completed an official visit to Bloomington, and Latrell Allmond, who visited Indiana last week. Other potential targets include Davion Adkins, Anthony Thompson, Tay Kinney, Ethan Taylor, Jordan Smith Jr., Trey Thompson, and Arafan Diane.
The pressure remains high in Bloomington. Indiana aims to consistently return to the NCAA Tournament, and DeVries' ability to attract impactful players—both through the transfer portal and at the high school level—will ultimately determine how quickly the Hoosiers can climb back into the Big Ten and national conversation. For now, attention shifts to the next wave of recruits as DeVries and his staff work to land the pieces needed to restore the Hoosiers to their once-familiar place among college basketball's elite.
